Persian turquoise is mined in several locations throughout modern-day Iran. The stones of all mining areas have a wide range of colours. Many mines were worked near Nishapur, which is located 225 miles to the east of the southern end of the Caspian Sea and near old caravan routes. Persian turquoise has been highly valued in the Middle East for centuries. There is strong evidence that these mines were massively acted on at the start of the 10th century. However, there is also supporting evidence that a few of the mines close to the surface were marginalized as early as 2100 B.C.

Persian turquoise has been used as jewellery for hundreds of centuries and will most likely be used for thousands more. Persian turquoise mines in Iran are mostly concentrated in Neishabour, near Mashhad, where there are over 100 caves for excavation. Iran also has a good quality mine in Damghan (Bagho Mine) and a recently opened mine in Kerman, from which selling is yet not permitted.

Varieties of Persian turquoise

The first variety is regarded as Persian. The most valuable turquoise colour is a uniform and intense medium blue, also known in the trade as Robin’s egg blue or sky blue. This colour’s traditional source is the Nishapur region of Iran, also known as Persian blue. Persian turquoise is well-known for its clarity and colour, which is also known as “Robin’s Egg” blue. The second variety is known as Matrix. Iranian turquoise may have matrix veins extending across it. Spiderweb turquoise is a material with a fine lining of the matrix that shapes attractive web-like patterns.

The Three Classifications

The Persians classified turquoise into three types.

• Anqushtari were fine ring stones. These are first-rate substances, suitable for the most expensive jewellery. These stones were a deep blue “Persian turquoise” with virtually no marks or matrix.
• Barkhaneh were intermediate-quality Persian turquoise stones. This is low-grade turquoise, similar to Angushtari; however, it has more identifying marks and matrices.
• Arabi was Persian Turquoise Stones that were pale, greenish or had matrix spots. Due to a pale blue or green colour or unwanted speckles, such stones were considered third-rate. Spots in Persian turquoise are usually white rather than black.

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

In the Middle East, vivid blue stones without any matrix were traditionally preferred. These could be regarded as the original ‘Sleeping Beauty Turquoise’. Persian turquoise can now be found in jewellery in a variety of hues and matrices and is valued for its timeless beauty. These stones can be found in a variety of men’s turquoise jewellery, including men’s turquoise bracelets, pendants, rings, and necklaces. AGHIGHE SHAJAR is a type of agate or Persian gemstone that is found in Iran.

Furthermore, some countries refer to these gemstones as Moss Agates and Dendritic Agates. We should remember that these agates differ in some ways, such as the fact that most moss agates have a green frame while Dendritic agates get a grey one. White agate reacts to lightning in the sky, and the appearance of the surroundings has a totally natural design. The surrounding environment determines the configurations on the agate during lightning and is frequently seen as woods, tree branches, and even animals.

Persian Mines and The Turquoise Found in Them

There are many Persian Turquoise mines in Iran. Listed below are a few that are known and verified

• Abo Ishaghi: This old cave, which is said to be the oldest, was closed 50 years ago. It had the finest quality of turquoise, which was also extra hard, allowing cutters to generate special forms with sharp points. Abo Ishaghi is another name for this cut. Some people also refer to it as Abdo Al’Razaqi.
• Rokni – This mine had high-quality turquoise and was excavated underground to the mountain’s peak.
• Khak Ghermez – This mine is famous for its “Robin’s Egg Blue” turquoise and a mid-blue turquoise cut to remove any matrix. This is most likely the most well-known Persian turquoise in the world.
• Chah (that indicates shaft in English): It is currently active; the workplace contains water, which they must pump out every time they work; the work is difficult, but the quality is excellent. Turquoise is very hard and dense, with a deep blue tone. Some cut stones are available in the market, but only a few dealers have them. They are mostly flawless, have a nice lustre, and polish well.
• Ghare Sabz (named due to the trees surrounding it, not the colour of the turquoise): These have a dark blue turquoise colour and mainly veins of turquoise, and the hardness is also exceptionally good. This cave remains under construction.

The use of turquoise in jewellery

Turquoise is used by Iranian artists in a variety of media, which include calligraphy and handicrafts. Turquoise jewellery has long been popular throughout the Middle East. Tibetans highly regarded it and used it in China ever since the thirteenth century BCE. Hole et al. (1969) discovered the first Persian turquoise artefacts in western Iran’s Deh Luran Plain.

According to radiocarbon dating, turquoise beads discovered in burial sites in the Ali Kosh and Mohamad-Djaffar areas stretch back to 7000 BCE and 6500 BCE, respectively. These turquoise jewels came in a variety of shapes and sizes, including beads, necklaces, and piercings. The most intriguing collection of turquoise beads was discovered with one of the burial mounds from the Mohamad-Djaffar zone, at which two beads and a piercing known as a labret were discovered. The perfectly polished beads were discovered near the neck, while the labret was discovered near the breastbone.

Looking For Your Perfect Turquoise?

If you’re looking for Persian-inspired jewellery but can’t find an authentic piece or one that fits you, you’ve come to the right place. Amritsar carries a wide range of Persian jewellery, including the ever-popular Persian turquoise. So click the link now: https://amitisart.net/shop and find your ideal turquoise.

Turquoise Uncovered Podcast

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Author: Sohrab Jamarani

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